R2D2 Astromech Droid

1:2 Scale Fully R/C Robot Kit

It should come as no surprise that our friends at DeAgostini has developed a fully r/c scale version of the classic Star Wars asromech droid R2D2. Could life get any better than this? Needless to say, we could not resist. While this particular kit would not be a suitable addition to our Robotics Program, it does provide some useful learning opportunities upon its completion during the later part of 2018.

The development of the kit comes in 25 installments just like the Millennium Falcon. Each installment includes four assembly booklets loaded with historical photos, blueprints, screen shots and much more.

My hands are trembling as I type this.

Technical Specifications

First and foremost, this droid is 1/2 scale which means that it is BIG and loaded with functional features. These features include:

* One piece metal dome: R2D2's metal dome spins just like the original, enabling him to turn to face his owner, scan his environment and point the camera and projector in any direction wtihout moving his body.

* Dual modes: You can swith R2D2 to operate under command or in autonomous "AI" mode, when he will behave just like the independent, headstrong astromech in the Star Wars movies.

* Video/Still camera: The video/still camera in R2D2's head allows him to take snapshots and short video clips which can be stored on your mobile device. You can turn his head to focus on any person or object in his field of vision, and his programming includes the ability to detect human faces.

* Projector: R2D2 is able to display holographic messages using a projector which can beam images of Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker onto any nearby flat surface.

* Realistic movement: R2D2 travels around through powerful drive motors in his feet which can allow him to move forward and backwards or spin on his axis. His third leg provides stability and he has sensors which are programmed to avoid obstacles and stairs.

* Remote control app-enabled: R2D2 can be controlled directly from our iPhone or iPad. All of his special features can be activated by remote control.

* Pop-up lightsaber: Luke Skywalker's lightsaber will pop up on demand from the storage tube in R2's head.

* Rechargeable battery: Inside R2D2's chassis is a high energy battery pack that stores power for his drive motors, robotic mechanisms and internal electronics. He comes with his own charging station which hooks up via external coupling- and when his energy levels become low, his warning lights will indicate the need to recharge. Battery not included with the kit however.

* Status displays: including malfunction/diagnostic warnings.

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* Microphone and speaker: R2D2 is able to react to his human owner's voice commands. R2D2 is programmed to respond to trigger words such as "good morning" or "wake up" and he understands a request with a realistic range of reactions.

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* Extending arms: As in the movies, R2D2 can extend his spacecraft linkage and control arms on command, and they can also operate when R2D2 is in autonomous mode. The flaps on his body conceal hidden droid manipulator arms and probes which can extend at will.

Our Project Build Starts Here...

Our project is organized into four basic structures or groups starting with R2's dome head. Click on the link below in order to begin your tour through the project build. Please keep in mind that this site will be updated each month subsequent to the delivery of each installment pack of parts and various assemblies.